Gregory Gym

In the heart of the college town that Austin is famous for, stands the majestic Gregory Gymnasium. It is not just a sports complex, but a true symbol of the University of Texas's continuity of tradition. Built in 1930, it combines the monumentality of classic collegiate architecture with brick facades, grand arches, and ornate stone staircases that invite every history buff to step inside.

Today, this site in the USA is one of the most popular spots for active recreation and sports. Following a large-scale renovation, the historic building was transformed into an ultra-modern fitness center while retaining its unique retro charm. The crown jewel of the complex is its Aquatic Complex, featuring indoor and outdoor pools where students and guests can enjoy swimming among palm trees and landscaped gardens.

Gregory Gymnasium is rightfully considered the campus "living room," where the **Longhorns** competitive spirit meets an atmosphere of relaxation and socializing. Whether you're admiring the magnificent arched windows or participating in an energetic workout, a visit here allows you to feel the rhythm of life in one of Texas's most dynamic cities.

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At Gregory Gymnasium, everyone will find something to their liking, whether it's an intensive workout or a peaceful break. Visitors can test their strength on modern exercise machines, run on the indoor track, or enjoy a friendly game on the basketball courts equipped with authentic vintage electric clocks. For water lovers, the magnificent Aquatic Complex is open: here you can swim laps in the outdoor Olympic-sized pool or relax in the spa area among exotic palm trees.

Beyond sports, the building offers excellent opportunities for social interaction. You can drop by the billiards room, relax in cozy lounge areas with free Wi-Fi, or stroll through the landscaped garden. Exploring the interiors is a special treat: be sure to head up to the observation gallery, which offers a great view of the main halls — in the past, women were even permitted to watch competitions from here, which was a bold innovation for the early 1960s.

The atmosphere of the place is steeped in history — walking through the corridors, it’s easy to imagine these walls once hosting concerts by legendary musicians or grand receptions. Today, you can not only improve your health but also become part of the vibrant student culture by participating in Rec Sports fitness programs or simply watching the university teams train.

Getting to this athletic heart of the university in Austin is quite simple. The complex is located in the very center of the campus at 2101 Speedway. If you prefer public transport, use the Capital Metro bus system: routes No. 1, 18, 30, and the 803 express stop in the immediate vicinity. The nearest stops are University of Texas Station or stops on San Jacinto Blvd.

For those driving from downtown, the trip will take about 10–15 minutes, and from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) — approximately 20–25 minutes via I-35 N. Please note that parking on campus is paid and requires using special guest zones (PMP — Permit Main Parking). You can also always use taxi services or popular apps like Uber and Lyft, which saves you from searching for a parking spot.

If you are already nearby, the best option is to walk or ride a bike — the campus is equipped with excellent bike lanes. Electric scooter rentals via the official university app are also popular here, allowing you to quickly move from the famous UT Tower directly to the doors of Gregory Gymnasium.

The history of this majestic building began back in 1907, when Thomas Watt Gregory, a distinguished alumnus and former Attorney General of the USA, envisioned creating a modern space for the physical development of students. His ambitious plan, known as the “Union Project,” included the construction of three key campus buildings, with the men's gymnasium taking center stage.

Construction of Gregory Gymnasium began in May 1929, shortly after the old gym was destroyed by fire. Despite the hardships of the Great Depression, university supporters (Texas Exes) managed to raise more than $600,000, allowing construction to be completed in record time. The grand opening took place on April 12, 1930, and the building instantly became an architectural gem thanks to its classical style, monumental arches, and unique brick from the Acme Brick company.

For decades, the gymnasium served not only as a sports arena for the Longhorns basketball and volleyball teams but also as the region's primary cultural center. It hosted student registrations, lavish dances, and performances by world stars: from the jazz improvisations of Louis Armstrong to the profound poetry readings of T.S. Eliot. In 1997, after a massive renovation costing nearly $27 million, the complex found its second wind, preserving its historic facade while receiving ultra-modern facilities.

To simply view the building's architecture and peek into its main halls, you will need about 1 hour. This is enough time to appreciate the grandeur of the interiors and take a few memorable photos against the backdrop of the famous arches.

If you plan to fully utilize the complex's services — for example, have a workout in the fitness center, swim a few laps in the Aquatic Complex, or play billiards in the lounge area — set aside 2 to 4 hours for your visit. Combining sports activities with a stroll through the historic University of Texas campus can easily take up half a day, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Austin student life.

The complex's doors are open to visitors daily; however, the schedule varies depending on the day of the week. Standard hours: Monday through Thursday — from 06:00 to midnight; on Friday, the gym closes slightly earlier at 22:00. On Saturdays, the complex is open from 08:00 to 22:00, and on Sundays — from 10:00 to 23:59.

Please note that the schedule may change during breaks, holidays, or special university events. Before visiting, it is recommended to check the current information on the official UT Rec Sports website to ensure that the areas you need (such as the pools) are open to the public.

Visiting the university's main sports complex is just one part of getting to know the city's energetic atmosphere. Numerous interesting locations are concentrated around the campus to help make your day even more fulfilling, whether you are looking for active entertainment or theme parks.

Exploring the surroundings will allow you to feel the true spirit of Texas. Below is a list of popular places that can be reached from the central part of the city: